June 14, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Add to Calendar
The region’s most acclaimed jazz musicians are returning to the ever-popular Jazz in The Parks on the Great Lawn this summer! Bring your neighbors and friends for the city’s favorite laid-back summer evenings – listed by Washingtonian magazine as one of the area’s top five outdoor spots to listen to live music just last year! Bring your own picnic, blanket and refreshments, and enjoy popular local food vendors and giveaways, including some delicious Atlantic Barbeque! Stop by the wonderful restaurants around the Marketplace, just a block away up 12th Street. Pick up charcuterie (or a pizza!) at Whole Foods, or amazing chicken or noodles from JINYA Ramen Bar. Everything works well for takeout!
The events start at 5 pm with a children’s performer (get ready to dance!), followed at 6 pm by the headliners.
Dates:
See below for more information on each artist!
Location: The Great Lawn is located at the center of the campus. Enter from 16th Street NW, or enter from Georgia Avenue at Butternut Street NW, and follow Main Drive around to the grassy area. 1301 Main Drive NW.
How to Get There: Parking is limited on campus, so walking, scooting, biking, buses, and trains are recommended. The Parks at Walter Reed is a 12-minute walk from the Takoma Metrorail Station on the Red Line, and more than a dozen bus lines run up 16th Street NW and Georgia Avenue NW. Bike parking is available on campus. Some parking is available in on-street spots; please follow the signage.
Free community events at The Parks at Walter Reed are made possible by our generous sponsors: Bozzuto Construction, Fidelity National Title Insurance Company DC, Oakridge Landscaping, Range Construction, Saul Ewing, Feldman Ruel, Wiles Mensch.
About the artists:
JUNE 14th, 2025
In partnership with Blues Alley Jazz Club, The Parks at Walter Reed presents the kick off for the summer jazz concerts on the Great Lawn, featuring opener Baba Ras D followed by the Blues Alley Youth Quartet and headliner Herm Hopkins Soul Quartet.
Blues Alley celebrates its 60 year anniversary this year and has the distinction of being the premier live jazz venue in Washington, D.C. as well as the oldest continuing jazz supper club in the United States. The Parks at Walter Reed is honored to partner with this prestigious venue.
Baba Ras D is an early childhood educator, author, musician and Rock Star to kids of all ages!
Don’t miss his live music performance centered on positivity and community.
The Blues Alley Youth Quartet is the region’s premier program for emerging youth jazz musicians.
Herm Hopkins Bio
Soul Trombonist Herm Hopkins is a distinguished musician hailing from Washington, D.C., whose career has been marked by an unwavering dedication to the art of jazz and soul music. With over 15 years of experience performing and studying with renowned saxophonist Arnold Sterling, Herm has honed his craft to become a prominent figure in the music scene. His extensive background includes touring with celebrated musicians and participating in prestigious events, most notably his collaboration with Roy Hargrove during the 2013 Seoul Jazz Festival in Korea, which showcased his talent to an international audience.
Throughout his career, Herm has had the privilege of studying and working alongside some of the greatest names in contemporary jazz, including Lou Donaldson, Steve Novasel, Wycliffe Gordon, and Steve Turre. This exposure to a diverse array of musical styles and techniques has enriched his own artistry and allowed him to develop a unique sound that resonates with audiences. His commitment to the craft is further evidenced by his 12 years of service as a trombonist and arranger for The United States Army Band, where he not only performed but also contributed to the musical arrangements that captivated listeners.
In addition to his work with the Army Band, Herm has been a regular performer at the iconic Blues Alley, where he has showcased his talents with both his quartet and his Big Soul Band. This venue has served as an important platform for him to connect with fans and fellow musicians alike, solidifying his reputation as a skilled performer and charismatic bandleader. His performances are characterized by a rich blend of soulful melodies and intricate arrangements, reflecting his deep understanding of the genre and his ability to engage audiences on multiple levels.
July 12, 2025
No kids opener for this event. Join us for a double header featuring the Washington Bach Consort followed by Blue Note recording artist Brandon Woody.
The Washington Bach Consort is a nationally preeminent vocal and period-instrument ensemble based in Washington, DC. While the group is especially renowned for its historically informed performances of 18th-century music on period instruments, the entire breadth of its offerings spans the 14th to the 19th centuries. The Consort has also made regular appearances alongside prestigious groups such as the National Symphony Orchestra, the Post-Classical Ensemble, Washington Performing Arts, and the Washington Cathedral Choral Society
Trumpeter and composer Brandon Woody was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and started his musical journey at the age of 7. Since then, Woody has gone on to become an international artist, performing with his band Upendo, curating projects for major museums, film scoring, collaborating with brands, teaching, and performing at major venues and institutions around the globe. Woody uses music as a tool for healing, genuine connection, and celebrating community.
Woody formed his longtime band Upendo in 2017 while still in school as a vehicle to perform his own original compositions. A modern jazz juggernaut, Upendo is a multi-generational and expandable group that features a core quartet of pianist Troy Long, bassist Michael Saunders, and drummer Quincy Phillips.
His debut album “For The Love Of It All” will be released on May 9th, on Blue Note Records.
August 23rd, 2025
The Parks at Walter Reed in partnership with The Sonic Lifeline presents kids opener Music with Mr. Rob and headliner Fran Vielma’s Pan-American Jazz Orchestra.
The Sonic Lifeline is an innovative entertainment production and promotion group, founded by producer Ed Baldi and photographer Nick Moreland. Their shared mission is to meticulously craft artist-centric experiences that not only captivate audiences but also foster community through the power of live performance. Their dedication extends to leaving indelible impressions on audiences, artists, and venues alike. and venues alike.
Music With Mr. Rob is a performer and music educator with 10+ years experience, who specializes in early childhood music education. He uses performance experience to create highly engaging and interactive music education experiences.
Fran Vielma’s Pan-American Jazz Orchestra Fran Vielma is a Venezuelan-American musician, composer, and educator best known for his work with the Pan-American Jazz Ensemble at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. He also leads the Pan-American Jazz Orchestra, a large ensemble that performs his original compositions and works by contemporary Pan-American jazz composers. Vielma is currently producing the debut album of his Jazz Orchestra, entitled “Pan-American Modernism”, featuring a “world-class” cast of musicians.
September 13th, 2025
Our final show of the year features kids opener Music With Mr. Rob followed by headliner Rochelle Rice.
Music With Mr. Rob is a performer and music educator with 10+ years experience, who specializes in early childhood music education. He uses performance experience to create highly engaging and interactive music education experiences.
Rochelle Rice
As a singer and songwriter, Rochelle creates introspective, dynamic and deeply profound live music experiences. Her brand of lyric-driven, heart-centered music has led to collaborating with other women musicians including as part of the acclaimed, Sweet Honey in the Rock and fiery and fierce, bēheld.